Intelligent-power-management company Eaton, together with ChargePoint, a provider of electric-vehicle (EV) charging solutions, announced a fast-charging architecture with end-to-end power infrastructure for public charging and fleets. Called ChargePoint Express Grid, the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capable solution powered by Eaton delivers up to 600 kW to passenger EVs and can provide megawatt charging for heavy-duty commercial applications.
The integration of ChargePoint’s Express chargers with Eaton’s end-to-end electrical solutions addresses the challenge of how to cost-effectively scale charging for the growing number of EVs entering service.
Taking the “Everything as a Grid” Approach
By leveraging Eaton’s “Everything as a Grid” approach, the system can synchronize onsite renewables, energy storage, and vehicle batteries with local energy markets to help fleets reduce fueling costs. When deployed at scale with participating utilities, the joint architecture can even help balance the electric grid.
Energy flows through the grid in more directions and through more devices than ever before. That decentralization creates new complexities and potential for decarbonization. Everything as a Grid is Eaton’s approach to reinventing the way power is distributed, stored and consumed.
According to Eaton and ChargePoint, compared to other available solutions, modular and DC grid designs can be deployed with 30% lower CapEx in a 30% smaller footprint while reducing ongoing operational costs by 30%.
“Accelerating electrification at scale hinges on industry-changing technology from trusted manufacturers that can be deployed faster while achieving new levels of reliability and efficiency at a significantly lower cost,” said Paul Ryan, vice president and general manager of energy transition at Eaton.
Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, added, “The new ChargePoint Express architecture, and particularly the Express Grid variant, will take DC fast charging to levels of performance and cost not previously imagined. This latest technological breakthrough further demonstrates our commitment to deliver innovation.”
Customized Charging
ChargePoint Express will deliver scalable, high-power charging in standalone, distributed, and hybrid configurations. Eaton will custom-engineer each Express configuration with a power infrastructure delivered site-ready. Also available is the option of a skid-mounted solution to expedite installation, reduce equipment requirements, and simplify connection to the grid and distributed energy resources (DERs).
